11 'Blue Squad' personnel from the Cakung Sub-district Water Resources Unit, East Jakarta, successfully cleared 400 cubic meters of mud and waste from the Sangkuriang connecting channel on Jalan Al Falah, RT 01/02, Ujung Menteng Urban Village.

Cakung Sub-district Water Resources Unit Head, Dian Nur Cahyono stated that the channel was heavily silted, which could potentially trigger inundation during heavy rain if left unaddressed.

"The total length of the cleared channel is approximately 80 meters with a width of 1.8 meters," he expressed, Wednesday (4/1).

He noted that mud buildup in the channel hit 40 cm, forcing personnel to exert extra effort by entering culverts to manually remove sediment.

"We are using basic tools like hoes, crowbars, pitchforks, buckets, and sacks for the cleaning," he stated.

Dian explained that the mud is either used for building embankments or transported to the east side of the East Flood Canal (KBT).

"This work started on March 25 and is slated to be finished by April 10," he noted.

He explained that the dredging is being hampered by many structures built over the waterway, restricting access.

"We urge residents not to encroach upon the channel areas. When floods happen, the entire community suffers the consequences," he explained.

This work received appreciation from one of the locals, Firman.

"We appreciate that the community’s request via the Musrenbang forum was promptly addressed. We hope this prevents further standing water during the rainy season," he stated.